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'Mainers want their voice to be heard': State sees increase in voter registrations

According to the Maine Department of the Secretary of State, more than 5,400 people registered to vote last month alone.

MAINE, USA — With less than six weeks until Election Day, Maine is seeing an increase in voter registrations.

According to the Maine Department of the Secretary of State, more than 5,400 people registered to vote last month. 

"I think Maine people are interested. They're interested in the vote. They're interested in the outcome and they want to participate and have their voices heard," Lisa Goodwin, the City Clerk for Bangor, said.

She said in just the last two weeks over 200 people have registered to vote in the Queen City. 

"We're seeing an uptick in activity. On one night we had 59 come in overnight so people are taking care of business, and it's really important to do so ahead of time before Election Day," Goodwin, said. 

The state saw a spike in voter registrations this summer after President Joe Biden dropped his reelection bid and endorsed Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.

RELATED: Voter registration spikes in Maine after Biden drops out of presidential race

Registrations have remained steady but started surging in early September. With anticipation around the upcoming election and the ability to now register online, that number is expected to climb.

"Every time we can make voting just a little bit easier and more convenient for Mainers that's a good thing," Emily Cook, the Director of Communications for the Maine Department of the Secretary of State, said. 

The Maine Department of the Secretary of State said in just the law two weeks over 11,000 people have registered to vote online in Maine.

RELATED: 'Backed into a corner': Mainers react to presidential debate

"We love to see people registering to vote and casting their ballots. Every time one of those come through, it puts a smile on our face," Cook said. 

University of Maine associate professor of political science Rob Glover says raising awareness among first-time voters is important. 

"The habits they form early on, like in early adulthood, their first presidential election, they carry those with them for the rest of their lives, so that's why we particularly think its important to register students to vote," Glover said. 

RELATED: More than 100 UMaine students register to vote on National Voter Registration Day

As election season heats up leaders are encouraging Mainers to register. 

"When you’re able to cast your ballot you're making your voice heard on the future of your community the future of our state, and the future of our country," Cook said. 

Maine residents have until Oct. 15 to register to vote online, but can also register in-person through Election Day.

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